Rider killed in MotoGP support race

Tunisian rider Taoufik Gattouchi has been killed in an incident during the Losail 600 Cup support race at the MotoGP season opener in Qatar.

The 49-year-old was involved in a multiple bike crash at the Losail International Circuit on Friday.

The 15 lap Losail Cup race was immediately red flagged while medical crews attended Gattouchi before he was airlifted to Hamad Hospital in Doha where he succumbed to injuries.

“Following an incident during this evening´s (18th March) Losail 600 Cup support race at the Losail International Circuit, it is with great sadness that we have to report the passing of Tunisian rider Taoufik Gattouchi.” read a statement from MotoGP.